Trending With Moms

Underpants. It used to be that maternity panties were more granny than sexy. Wide all around with ample room for an ever-expanding belly and behind, they definitely weren’t something you’d see gracing the pages of a Victoria’s Secret catalog. Practical, maybe — attractive, not so much. Fortunately, plenty of maternity fashion companies now realize that today’s mom-to-be doesn’t want to be wearing granny panties before she even becomes a mother. These days, you can make your maternity "under" statement in adorable bikinis, boy shorts, and thongs in all colors (including that sexy standard, red lace) — all designed with comfort and style in mind. Can’t give up your favorite French-cut? Stick with your favorite brand (paging Victoria) — just buy them in a larger size, and wear them under your belly.

No matter whether briefs or bikinis are your bag, though, you should probably suck it up (though on the upside, you no longer have to suck it in), and invest in plenty of pairs of those panties that please you — not just for variety’s sake, but because all that increased vaginal discharge may have you changing your underwear more frequently. Stay with 100 percent cotton to keep cool and dry, as well as to prevent vaginal infection.

Bras. By the end of the first trimester, your breasts may already be considerably (and dramatically) larger than they were when you conceived — and larger than you could have ever conceived. And they could getting bigger by the minute (or at least that’s the way it’ll sometimes seem). For the previously cup-challenged, this chest expansion can be most welcome; for others, especially those whose breasts were hefty to begin with, it adds an extra level of discomfort with every extra cup.

Though you may just be excited about showing those perky new puppies off in something lacy and pretty (which is fine, by the way), make support your primary focus. As in whatever it takes to keep them afloat — and keeps them from bouncing around too much. You may need an underwire act to accomplish this, but make sure that the wire doesn’t rub you the wrong way. If you’re carrying a heavy load, have mercy on your shoulders and look for bras with wide straps. Comfort’s important, too, (the straps shouldn’t be digging into your shoulders — if they’re leaving marks, they’re too tight), as well as breathability (you’ll want to stay dry there, too). And for best bra results, have a fit — as in a fitting session with a knowledgeable saleswoman. A few moments of sacrificed modesty can result in months of comfort, a making sure this maternity must-have fits is definitely worth it.

Sport bras and tanks come in handy since they offer support and comfort all at once — use them not just to exercise in, but to sleep in if your breasts become extra-unwieldy. Camisoles with built-in bras are also a good clothing choice during pregnancy — they look pretty peeking out of a blouse, they’re sexy and feminine, and they can help keep you cool on warm days.

And if you’re in your third trimester of pregnancy, now’s a good time to pick up a few nursing bras if you intend to breastfeed (these are often super soft, with easy-access opening in the front), and be sure to skip the ones with restrictive under wires (unless you like the support they give). Keep in mind, however, that your breast expansion will continue once your milk factory kicks into gear.

Pants. When it comes to pregnancy pants, first there’s the panel discussion. The discussion being — should you wear pants with panels? If you're undergoing rapid pregnancy weight gain and seem likely to put on more than 30 pounds by the end of your pregnancy, you may not be able to avoid those less-than-lovely elastic panels. The soft fabric replaces zippers, buttons, or snaps, and fits smoothly over your growing belly — though some women find them less than comfortable (as well as less than attractive).

Fortunately, there are other options, including pregnancy clothes with drawstring closures and super-elastic waistbands. Wearing super-low pants (probably in a larger than usual size) below your belly is a chicer choice — though not practical (or comfortable) for every expectant figure. (There are low-rise maternity pants that might be more comfortable than those regular low-rise you’re trying to squeeze into.) If you can’t bear to give up your beloved pairs of perfect pants (the ones that still fit at the hips and thighs but won’t fasten at the waist), pick up one of those super-wide elastic bands you can wear over the waistline of your non-maternity pants. (You roll the band down over the top of your unbuttoned — possibly unzipped — pants to keep them up, and put on a top that hides the band.) But there's one definite maternity must-have: Invest in at least one perfect pair of maternity jeans. You'll likely be living in them, not just during your nine months, but (sorry to break it to you) during the first few postpartum months. And consider getting a pair or two of maternity leggings (nothing beats comfort than leggings) and a pair of super-stretchy, boot-cut yoga pants; find the right pair of these and you’re on easy street for any casual occasion, and maybe even the casual office. (For the more formal office, a tailored look is essential to keep sending your superiors the subliminal message that though you may be pregnant, you’re still good at your job. Try these tips for picking out work clothes during pregnancy).

Skirts and dresses. Sometimes there’s nothing easier or more comfortable than slipping into a skirt or dress. And since these comfy clothes allow for air to circulate during pregnancy (that is, if you’re not wearing hose), nothing’s cooler, either. They can also make you feel pretty when you’re at your heaviest.

The right dress can be worn a dozen different ways to generate a dozen different looks (without anyone being the wiser). Think basic black and clingy, then add a cardigan one day, a jacket another day, a scarf the third. Wrap dresses are a particularly comfy maternity must-have — and hug you in a very flattering way (curves ahead!).

Maternity skirts come with the same waistline options as pants — panels, drawstring, or low-rise — and can be just as versatile if you choose smart. (And as with some maternity pants, there is a bonus: Many skirts come with expandable elastic side-seams so you can wear them right up until the day you deliver.) Denim and black (choose jersey for optimum comfort) go with just about everything, and don’t discount leather (though you may want to look for it at a discount). It’s stylish and hip, and can go anywhere you do, from the office to the opera (just remember that leather’s warm — so in your overheated state you may need to save it for the late fall or winter).

Shirts. Thank goodness the wide-collared frilly shirts of yesterday have gone out of style. These days, you can find perfectly flattering tees in fitted shapes that makes you look beautifully curvy (as opposed to strangely voluminous); that extra bit of stretch ensures they fit your contours. A V-neck or boatneck dresses up simple cotton, and blacks, whites and grays are sophisticated enough for pretty much any occasion. Wear them under a jacket, wrap, sweater — anything at all. That’s the beauty of the tee (that, and the fact that they’re so cool and comfortable). You can also find flattering blouses, tank tops, halters… you name it — in both form-fitting and looser-cut styles to round out your pregnancy wardrobe on top.

Shoes. Leave the 4-inch stilettos to the Sex and the City gang for a while; now’s the time to get (shudder) sensible about shoes. Think quality sneakers, comfortable boots, chunky pumps, and cool sandals. Your feet carry the load, and with that load getting heavier by the day, they’ll tire easily. So get ready to go shoe shopping — not only to buy more appropriate styles, but to buy bigger shoes. Your may go up one (or more) full shoe sizes during pregnancy (look no further than than your swollen ankles and feet), and you may or may not go back to their original size after delivery.

Make sure your closet is stocked with at least two well-fitting pairs of shoes that feel really secure, provide good traction (so you don’t slip if you lose your balance), and are seasonally appropriate. High heels, no matter how you may love them, can be an occupational hazard for the expectant set. If you must have a delicate shoe to match a suit or formal outfit, you can try a lower — but still cute — kitten heel until your cat’s out of the bag. For summer, espadrilles are an excellent choice; they’re in style this season, and the canvas is cool and breathable for your hot and bothered feet. Plus, they’ll stretch to accommodate your tootsies, no matter how wide they might get. For winter, shoes with laces will do the same, but be sure to choose leather; vinyl doesn’t stretch, and your feet will feel trapped and gasping for air.

Stockings. While there’s no good reason why you shouldn’t bare it all when it comes to your legs — especially in warm weather — there are also good reasons to stock up on stockings. Maternity tights and stockings (they’re not your mother’s support hose, even though they provide great support) make your legs look good and feel good (they help prevent varicose veins and excess swelling, plus they massage tired leg muscles). Try different styles until you find one that’s comfortable, then buy them in all your favorite colors so they work with all of your clothes during pregnancy. If stockings are too uncomfortable for you by the belly, and if you have to wear hose, consider using thigh-highs — they’ll give you the look you’re looking for without the discomfort (unless you find they cut off your circulation — experiment with different brands).

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or in place of therapy or medical care. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your
visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make choices about online behavioral advertising, please
click here